adminWith Bruno Guimaraes gone and Kieran Trippier having left in the summer, Newcastle United have a captain-shaped hole they need to fill.
Matthias Jaissle has a lot of things to decide before the season opener against Liverpool. New players, who is leaving, the formation, assessing academy players, and the small matter of who the club’s captain will be for the new season.
In the win against Valencia, Malick Thiaw was given the armband, and with the friendly against Everton on Wednesday, he is expected to keep it.
Jaissle has confirmed that the club will continue to operate a leadership group, as Eddie Howe did.
But with so few senior players left in the squad, and it looking unlikely that the club will sign a new captain, who are the realistic options being considered?
Malick Thiaw Emerges as the Clear Favourite
While Jaissle has not yet formally confirmed that Thiaw will be Newcastle’s permanent captain, the decision to give him the armband in his first match is a significant indication of how highly the new manager already regards him.
The German defender was given the responsibility during the 2-1 win over Valencia, immediately putting him at the centre of the captaincy conversation.
Thiaw’s leadership, defensive presence and ability to organise those around him could make him the ideal candidate to take over from Bruno Guimaraes.
If he is handed the armband again against Everton on Wednesday, it would provide an even stronger indication that Jaissle is preparing him to become the club’s new captain.
Five Players Were Reportedly Considered
According to The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder, Newcastle’s current captaincy shortlist includes five players: Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn, Joelinton, Fabian Schar and Yoane Wissa.
However, after the Valencia match, Thiaw appears to have moved ahead of the other candidates.
Malick Thiaw
Thiaw is now the clear frontrunner.
The fact that Jaissle trusted him with the armband during his first match in charge is perhaps the strongest clue yet regarding the manager’s thinking.
A repeat against Everton could effectively confirm that Thiaw is the leading candidate to become Newcastle’s new captain.
Dan Burn
Dan Burn remains one of the most natural leadership candidates at the club.
His experience, passion and connection with Newcastle supporters make him an obvious option for the leadership group.
However, Jaissle’s tactical approach could mean that Burn does not enjoy the same level of regular playing time he had under Eddie Howe.
That could make him more likely to serve as an experienced member of the leadership group rather than the permanent captain.
Joelinton
Joelinton is another senior figure who could play an important role.
Having been at Newcastle for several years, the Brazilian understands the club and is one of the few remaining players who predate Howe’s time in charge.
Despite previous speculation surrounding his future, Joelinton now appears set to remain at Newcastle and could have an important leadership role under Jaissle.
Fabian Schär
Fabian Schär is also expected to be part of the leadership group.
The Swiss defender recently signed a new one-year contract and brings years of experience at the highest level.
Although an injury prevented him from featuring in Jaissle’s first game, Schär remains one of the most experienced players in the squad.
His leadership could prove particularly valuable if Thiaw is unavailable.
Yoane Wissa
The surprise name on the shortlist is Yoane Wissa.
Wissa reportedly has an excellent relationship with the squad and is highly respected by both senior players and younger members of the team.
His influence could see him become part of Jaissle’s leadership group, while his importance on the pitch could also make him a strong candidate for the vice-captaincy.
What Does the Valencia Decision Mean?
The biggest takeaway from the Valencia game is that Jaissle appears to have already identified Thiaw as someone he trusts.
Giving a player the captain’s armband in his first match as Newcastle manager is unlikely to be a completely random decision.
It could be Jaissle’s way of testing Thiaw’s leadership qualities before making the final decision.
For now, Thiaw appears to have the advantage over Burn, Joelinton, Schär and Wissa.
The Everton friendly could provide another major clue.
If Thiaw leads Newcastle out again, speculation surrounding his appointment will only intensify.
Newcastle’s New Leadership Group
Jaissle has also confirmed that Newcastle will continue to operate with a leadership group, similar to the system used under Eddie Howe.
That means the captaincy decision will not necessarily determine who carries the most influence inside the dressing room.
Burn, Joelinton, Schär, Wissa and other senior players are all expected to play a role within the group.
Sven Botman, Harvey Barnes and Lewis Miley could also be involved as Jaissle looks to create a leadership structure capable of guiding Newcastle into a new era.
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Abdulhafiz Teslim
